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Since 1982, the existence of the International Institute for Research and Education –Amsterdam (IIRE-Amsterdam) has been instrumental in bringing together activists from all inhabited continents for critical exchanges of thoughts and experiences in the daily struggle for emancipation of all oppressed peoples of the world. The various yearly schools, seminars and discussions organized by the institute have greatly helped in the training and broadening of perspectives of activists, especially young ones, but also more seasoned activists, on the new paradigm of struggle at the turn of the century. Moreover, these activities facilitated stronger solidarity among movements all over the world. These successes of the IIRE-Amsterdam and the challenges faced by third world activists, particularly the Asian sections, greatly inspired the establishment of the International Institute for Research and Education – Manila (IIRE-Manila). The present global economic crisis brought about by the barbaric capitalist system has caused indescribable sufferings to the peoples of the third world, since they are the most vulnerable and unsecured sections of the world against globalization. Thus, the struggle of these peoples for their basic right to live is also directly aimed at crippling the imperialists and capitalists in their respective countries.
On the other hand, the opportunities for reflection and studies in IIRE-Amsterdam for third word activists have become increasingly difficult, financially and technically. Thus, the need to open a more accessible venue for discussions to third world activists, specifically, Asia-Pacific activists, amidst the growing difficulties and challenges, reinforced the necessity of establishing a sister institute in Manila. This bold move is also a way to strengthen the unity and solidarity of the third word activists in order to intensify the struggle for their political and social agenda and for a new internationalism in the face of the worst capitalist crisis in the century. |
